UpperMustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek

The region is also known as the ‘Last Forbidden Kingdom’ (organised treks only started visiting the region in 1992, and numbers are restricted with an average of less than 1,000 visiting each year) and it is steeped in undisturbed Tibetan Buddhist culture with ancient monasteries, traditional villages and cave dwellings high up on the cliffs, as well as the stunning architecture on view at the walled city of Lo Manthang (capital of Mustang region).

The Upper Mustang trek in to the remote Trans-Himalayan Region of this semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom offers an adventurous 14 day itinerary with spectacular trekking through striking semi-arid desert with colourful rock formations, deep ravines and snow-capped peaks surrounding you. The history, culture, myth and legend blends perfectly with the stunning scenery.

In common usage, the name Mustang refers to the arid Tibet-like region at the northern end of the Kali Gandaki (known to its inhabitants as Lo). Mustang has a long, rich and complex history that makes it one of the most interesting places in Nepal. The early history of Lo is shrouded in legend, myth and mystery, but there are records of events in Lo as early as the 8th century. It is quite likely that the Tibetan poet Milarepa, who lived from 1040 to 1123, visited Lo. In Lo itself the countryside is similar to the Tibetan plateau with its endless expanses of yellow and grey rolling hills eroded by wind. There is more rain in the lower part of upper Mustang and the hills tend to be great red fluted cliffs of tiny round stones cemented together by mud. Villages are several hours apart and appear in the distance almost as mirages; during the summer season, after the crops are planted, they are green oasis in the desert-like landscape.

Below is a short clip from independent traveller and film maker Yannick Calonge which perfectly captures the essence and beauty of the people and region.

The Hidden Kingdom : MUSTANG (Nepal). from Yannick Calonge on Vimeo.

SUMMARY OF UPPER MUSTANG TREK ITINERARY

Days 1 & 2: Arrival into Kathmandu, trek preparation, rest day and sightseeing
Day 3: Fly to Pokhara and spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant town
Day 4: Fly to Jomsom and start trek ascending to Kagbeni
Days 5 to 11: Enter the Upper Mustang region and trek up to Lo Manthang and Namgyal, returning along the trail to Jomson
Day 12 & 13: Fly to Jomson and on day 14 onward to Pokhara, overnight in hotels. 
Day 14: Flight back to KathmanduDay 15: Onward travel or start new adventure

It is also possible to amend your itinerary to descend via a different route to that used on the ascent. It is also possible to bolt this itinerary onto a longer Annapurna Circuit trek as after the Circuit crosses the Thorong La Pass it also reaches Kagbeni, the point at which you enter into the Upper Mustang. It is also possible to forgo internal flights and travel by road from / to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Jomsom. Please fee free to contact us with any personalised requests.

UPPER MUSTANG TREK MAP

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UPPER MUSTANG TREK LENGTH AND TERRAIN

The main itinerary above is approximately 100 kilometres but as mentioned this can also be adapted if you prefer. Each day the trek starts after breakfast at about 8.30am and there are many opportunities to stop, absorb the views, take photos or have a cup of tea along the trail. The pace is slow and the itinerary allows for excellent acclimatisation though the beauty of this trek is that we don't go to any particular height. Most days trekking are for 6 or 7 hours and generally finished by mid afternoon.

The terrain is along well trodden and defined paths which can be sandy and desert like in places and at other times rocky. There is no need for crampons or any technical equipment or skills, it is purely a trek. The Mustang is un-spoilt with a rich Tibetan culture due to it having been closed to the rest of Nepal and elsewhere until the early 1990's, however you will find a warm and friendly welcome. The valley is essentially a large dried up ravine which is also in the Himalayan monsoon shadow, so it is possible to visit for most of the year, however we would suggest you avoid mid winter and consider any time from March through to late November.

People who enjoy hill-walking, trekking, stunning scenery, fascinating cultures and who are moderately fit will love this adventure.

ALTITUDE PROFILE FOR THE UPPER MUSTANG TREK

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ACCOMMODATION ON THE UPPER MUSTANG TREK

Accommodation throughout our trek is in basic but comfortable lodges which are run by local Mustang families. Each lodge has a central communal area with a large stove that provides heat and a cosy atmosphere. The bedrooms are unheated and generally have two beds with mattresses, pillows and a blanket. You will need to bring a sleeping bag (3 season is fine) and we'd recommend a pillow case. 

The lodges generally have showers which are powered by gas and they mostly use sit down flush toilets (some lodges do also have squat toilets). Food on the Upper Mustang trek is very good quality and a mixture of local Nepali / Tibetan and western food. A common, tasty and fulfilling local meal is dal bhat with rice. Along the trail it is at times also possible to source other items and here you'll find a Nepal price guide. 

We don't provide hotels in Kathmandu as there is such a huge range available but of course happy to recommend or book hotels if required. We do provide accommodation in Pokhara and Jomsom on a twin room basis. 

PACKING LIST FOR UPPER MUSTANG TREK

Check out our gear recommendations and also our Nepal Trekking Kit List page for information about what gear and clothing we recommend.

The basic idea of the clothing you will take is to keep you warm, dry, protected from the sun, able to move comfortably in the mountains and able to be comfortable in the evenings and night. The main points to cover are as follows:-

• Bags - Rucksack or duffle bag for a porter to carry plus a day pack to be carried by you. Dry bags inside to store clothes.
• Rain protection - Top and bottom waterproofs to keep off wind/rain, also an umbrella
• Layers - Shirts, trousers, shorts, T-shirts, jumpers and jackets, hat and gloves.
• Walking - Comfortable boots with a good sole and ankle support. Lighter footwear to change into in the evenings. Trekking poles
• Sleeping - 3 or 4 season is enough in the lodges where there are beds and mattresses and blankets
• Water - Water bottles should be hard plastic (Nalgene), not throwaway bottles. Water can be boiled or treated.
• Personal hygiene - wash kit, towel, small first aid kit
• Sun protection - sunglasses, sunhat
• Miscellaneous - head torch, camera, books, music, power bank and leads

The Upper Mustang does get cold at night, but not as cold as other regions and by that time you'll be in your lodge. Overnight temperatures outside of winter in Lo Manthang can drop to -8C and day time can reach 25 - 30C, so you need a range of clothing. Late in the afternoon it can be windy and with the desert environment - dusty, so a buff is glasses are a good idea.

Kathmandu has an area called Thamel which is full of hundreds of equipment shops, each one an emporium of new, used, quality and fake equipment all very reasonably priced for rental and buying. You can buy almost anything needed for any trek. The same can be said in Pokhara where any kit or western treats are in abundance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) FOR TREKKING TO EVEREST BASE CAMP